Crisis moments call for strong, decisive action—people want to know that someone is in charge and things are being managed. But once the initial crisis calms, a period of disorientation sets in as we find our way to a new normal. The resolute leadership style that worked well during the initial crisis won’t work well in this ongoing unsettled space.

We are in a liminal season, stuck between an ending and a new beginning. The pathway forward is not knowable. The way we “did church” even two months ago is done. We have literally been thrown out of our buildings by a pandemic. We can reassure people (and ourselves) by pretending the disruption is temporary. “We will resume all normal activity soon.” That reassurance is not helpful or truthful.

No one knows what normal looks like after sheltering in place. Likely, we will resume many familiar things, but congregational life will not be the same. We are disoriented and confused. There is grief and loss.

This season requires a different leadership stance. Our actions must originate from a new center—a less busy and more yielding, soulful place. The following five practices can help you lead more effectively as you discover the next, new normal with your congregation.

1. Surrender

To surrender is to yield. We accept this moment as “just the place we need to be” to learn what is most important now. To surrender does not mean giving up or giving in. It does not mean we languish or grow lazy—quite the opposite. It means we lean into the disorientation and trust the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Striving, rather than surrender, was the mood of the first season of this crisis. Striving is the act of working harder and longer to prove mastery, merit and worth. We hoped that our industriousness could protect people from the difficult, adaptive work ahead. Through our own hard work and determination, we figured out how to put church online. We toiled to demonstrate our care for people when we could not be physically present with them. We learned new ways to connect those in need. We’ve done good industrious work.

But now we find ourselves beyond the limits of our own resourcefulness and knowing. This next season requires adaptive learning—for leaders and followers alike. Learning begins with surrender. I acknowledge that I don’t have answers. I yield my spirit to God’s leading and invite my congregation to do the same. We attend to all that arises in response to our surrender.

2. Use the Disorientation

All innovation begins with disorientation. People must let the old status quo fail before we can embrace innovation. We should acknowledge that the status quo failed us some time ago. We’ve been falsely clinging to the old normal because there was too much pain in letting go.

The pandemic has thrown us into deep disorientation. Now, we have no choice but to let go of the old normal. We occupy space on both sides of a threshold. One foot is rooted in something trying to end; another is planted in a thing not yet defined, something waiting to begin. We cling to structures, identities and relationships formed by our old experiences, although we know that those processes and practices will not serve us adequately moving forward.

It would be a mistake to shore up the old structures and practices as things get “back to normal.” We need to take advantage of this moment to let old things die, to experiment, to take risks and learn.

3. Invite Meaning-Making

Humans cannot live without meaning. The greater our sense of uncertainty, the more desperately we grasp for a handhold, a shred of something that reminds us of who we are and where we have been. People need help interpreting the present moment given their shared past.

Part of this work is theological in nature. People grapple with the deep questions of our faith. Where is God when people are suffering? Why are we here? Is God punishing the world? Listen. Sharpen your theological edge and shape the conversations happening around you.

Beyond that, locate this moment in the history of your specific context. When have your people endured a moment reminiscent of this one? What higher values did they bring to that moment? How might those same values guide them now?

4. Define One Good Next Step

People need to know that they are pursuing something that matters now; worthy work, a shared common cause, or a sense of rootedness to something enduring. This is especially important when we can’t plan our next steps in one, three, and five-year increments. Who even knows what tomorrow will bring in this environment?

Systematic planning won’t serve you well in liminality, but you don’t have to wander aimlessly. Help people remember their passions and connect those passions to their gifts and resources. Develop a shared sense of what you are trying to learn together. Then, claim one good next step in the general direction of your shared aspirations.

5. Attend to the Yearning

Rational decision making assumes that human knowledge is enough to address the challenges we face. Rational decisions can’t guide us through the deep disorientation we face now. Instead, we need to pay attention to yearning.

Yearning is the language of the human soul.When we listen to others at soul level, we sense a collective longing that will guide us to the other side of chaos. Letting go of what once was, we let ourselves be led by God who is drawing us forward and into our future.

Discernment is the tool we use to attend the yearning. It’s a wisdom way of knowing. We drop beneath rational decision making, directly into the knowing planted in our souls. Make space in your congregation for this expression of collective yearning. What is God calling us to do or become next?

Our new normal is already with us and it is also just beyond our reach. This is an exciting time to be the church if we are willing to stay in the disorientation for the time it takes to discover our next chapter.

The Church in Aurora is looking to hire a part-time Director of Communications. We know that having a strong online presence is important to any organization, and we think we need to enlist some help in this area.

If you are passionate about getting the word out and you’d love to be part of an organization that wants to make a difference, then this position may be a good fit for you.

It does require some:technical savvyrelevant education & experience (marketing, PR, communication, etc.)If you, or someone you know, would be interested in this position you may click here to view the full job description. Resumes should be sent to dhickman@tcia.cc.

Do you or someone you know play guitar?

We are looking at the possibility of developing an alternative worship style (once we can return safely). To do this, we need folks who can play guitar (preferable) and sing.

If this is something you would like to help with, email Pastor Derek (dhickman@tcia.cc).

Hi parents,

Well, I guess summer is upon us! The end of this school year is definitely different than those in the past. Hopefully your family can regain some degree of normalcy without the stress of online learning.

Summer is a great time to ponder some of the big questions that we all have. Kids and adults have all sorts of questions about God – Why are we here? Who is God? Is everything in the Bible true? Faith is believing in something even though we have questions. Sometimes the logistics of the Bible can be confusing in light of what we know about science. The Bible and science shouldn’t be enemies…they can work together as friends. God wants us to ask questions and use our brains to learn more about Him and the world around us.

This is a great video exploring this topic. I urge you to watch this together and explore some of the questions that you may have. A fun activity for the family might be to brainstorm some of your biggest questions for God and write them down. Here are some examples of questions that some 3rd graders asked of God. Some of them will put a smile on your face. Take a picture of some of your questions…I would love to see them.

I hope that you all have a great summer. Take some time to ask some questions with your kids.

God Bless You,Liz

We will meet online again this Sunday. Log on for a few minutes to say “hello” to some of your church family. The Zoom meeting begins at 10:45 am and ends at 11:15 am. If you need assistance logging into Zoom, please call Pastor Derek at the church office. He will practice with you anytime Monday-Thursday.

165 people in 48 households were served last week!! Your orders from Sirna and Sons funded most of the produce and dairy that was included in each family bag.

As a reminder, if you are looking for another way to help, Sirna and Sons offers fresh meats, dairy, fruits, veggies, and more at competitive prices placed in your car touch-free. Orders can be made weekly with no commitment. And here’s the best part: 15% of all orders received go to the Aurora Community Relief Fund . You may click here to check out their website and make an online order. Then all you have to do is pull up to the Leighton Elementary School parking lot on Thursdays 9 – 11:00 am and say your name – your groceries will be put into your car and you drive away! You can order until 8:00 pm on Tuesdays for pick up the same week. Any questions? Call Liz Sutter at 216-570-6394.

THANK YOU NANCY BRAINERD FOR SHARING YOUR TALENTS WITH US FOR THIS WEEK’S ENEWS HEADER! READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOME CHURCH LEADERSHIP CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE, HOW OUR COMMUNITY RELIEF EFFORT CONTINUES TO GROW, AND MORE…

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

This week, I wanted to share a story from the Old Testament with you, which I think speaks to our current situation.

This is from Deuteronomy 31.

Moses was getting older and less able to lead, and God was raising up a new leader: Joshua. Joshua had been around a while and had served with Moses for some time. However, Moses had been the leader for nearly 40 years. The people had grown accustomed to his way and style of leadership, and as the reins were being handed off, folks were anxious.

Moses speaks these inspiring words to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave your nor forsake you.”

In the following verse, Moses is repeating that very same thing to Joshua privately: “Be strong and courageous.”

Then, when Joshua takes over, God speaks to him and says: “Be strong and courageous…be strong and very courageous…be strong and courageous…do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This phrase is repeated seven times in this leadership transition. I have said in a sermon before, that if the Bible is repeating something, it’s as if alarm bells are going off and signs are flashing: GET THIS!

Be strong and courageous.

This is actually a portion of the blessing I give my kids at night. I think I’ve shared that, too. As I tell Hallie she is strong, she puts her arms up and flexes her muscles, to show me how strong she is.

Our church is in a season of transition; we have a new pastor, new series of events with COVID-19, and new acting slate of leaders (see below). This time will prove to be a season that will test us; I’m sure of that.

As I look at our church, I see that we have done the same things, largely the same way for many years – just like the Israelites who had followed Moses. As we begin to make plans to reopen, we might expect things to simply go back to the way they have always been, but I don’t think that is possible.

If anything, COVID-19 has taught us all to be flexible…which I’m now thinking is one of Jesus’ missing beatitudes: blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape.

Our church (and every church) will not be the same. And, it’s okay to grieve that. It’s okay to be sad and angry and feel hurt. It’s all okay. However, our feelings can’t change the reality.

As we face the future – as uncertain and as frightening as it may seem – there may be times when we need to be reminded that God has called us all to be strong and courageous, and we just may need to flex our muscles and show each other how strong we can be through these times.

Remember: Be strong and courageous; be strong and very courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

In Christ, Pastor Derek

LEADERSHIP CHANGES ANNOUNCED

Dear TCIA Congregation,

We write to inform you that due to recent health issues, Walter Chapman has decided to temporarily step aside as Moderator at The Church in Aurora. It is important that we give Walter and the Chapman family space to focus on a course of treatment for Walter. Instead of calls or visits, please pray for Walter and his family and feel free to send cards or notes of encouragement. Thanks, in advance, for your consideration during this time.

During Walter’s absence, the Church Board elected a slate of “acting leaders” to serve in the following roles: Acting Moderator, Laura HolmanActing Associate Moderator, Karen PopeActing Chair of Elders, Ken Liang In addition to informing you of the changes in leadership, we want to give you assurance that the Elders are developing a plan for reopening the church for face-to-face worship. The plan includes online worship offering for folks who aren’t able, or aren’t ready, to return to face-to-face worship services. As we have these planning meetings, the guiding principles are 1) to make worship meaningful and 2) to keep worshipers safe. Once this plan is complete, it will be shared with the Board and with our congregation.

All of us leading through these times are grateful for your encouragement, your patience, and your prayers. They have helped to sustain us as we lead The Church in Aurora. Keep it up!

In Christ,Derek HickmanSenior Minister

Good morning parents,

I am sure that you are all missing the ability to get together in our church and worship. This idea of worship is something that you may think can only happen within the walls of our church. Actually, worship can take place anywhere. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat used worship as a secret weapon to win a war. We can use worship as a secret weapon anytime that we feel scared.

Watch this video to learn more about King Jehoshaphat. This video is a lengthy one (17 minutes), but it is chocked full of games and information. It explains how we can all worship in creative ways at home. At the end of the video, there are step by step instructions to make your own “secret weapon”. All you need are two pieces of differently colored paper and a pair of scissors. Don’t forget to check out the family discussion questions and activity sheets.

I hope that you are having some quality family time. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

God Bless,Liz

The Sunday Zoom Fellowship had been a ZOOMING success – UNTIL THIS PAST WEEK when logging on and getting video worked intermittently or not at all. News accounts report that there was a Zoom overload and malfunction due to use by churches both here and abroad!

We will try again this Sunday. Log on for a few minutes to say “hello” to some of your church family. The Zoom meeting begins at 10:45 am and ends at 11:15 am. If you need assistance logging into Zoom, please call Pastor Derek at the church office. He will practice with you anytime Monday-Thursday.

154 people in 45 households were served last week!! The Leighton Elementary School parking lot pick-up worked out really well – and the beautiful weather was a bonus. We were able to provide touch-free pickup, and the kitchen staff of Aurora Schools along with some church volunteers made everything run smoothly.

This week households will receive milk, bread, eggs, meatballs and all the fixings for spaghetti, lettuce, carrots, italian dressing, oranges, bananas, breakfast cereal, toilet paper, and paper towels. Once again families will be able to select the toiletry items they need from the stock of donated items you have provided (your toiletry donations can be placed in the plastic bins outside the church’s glass doors).

Our Community Relief Effort IS a community relief effort in many ways. This week we want to give a shout-out to another member of our community: Domino’s Pizza of Aurora has donated a coupon to each family for a free pizza!

As a reminder, if you are looking for another way to help while also safely obtaining your personal groceries, Sirna and Sons offers fresh meats, dairy, fruits, veggies, and more placed in your car touch-free. Orders can be made weekly with no commitment. And here’s the best part: 15% of all orders received go to the Aurora Community Relief Fund . You may click here to check out their website and make an online order. Then all you have to do is pull up to the Leighton Elementary School parking lot on Thursdays 9 – 11:00 am and say your name – your groceries will be put into your car and you drive away! You can order until 8:00 pm on Tuesdays for pick up the same week. Any questions? Call Liz Sutter at 216-570-6394.

It’s finally sunny after what seemed like days of rain, snow, and cold weather. Today (Wednesday), I went home for lunch and was able to enjoy some time outside with my family. We had little picnic at the table in our wooded area. The kids swung on the vine that we discovered a few weeks ago. It was a joy-filled time.

I hope it’s okay that I’m providing a written check-in this week. I am just videoed out right now.

I have been busy these last several weeks. And, when I am busy, I get anxious – anxious about the things I need to get done. I struggle to sleep, as I consider how on earth I am going to get all the things done that need to get done.

Maybe you are fortunate enough to have had life slow down a bit for you to re-center and refocus. I haven’t been feeling that way; though, hopefully once the school year officially ends, it will get better.

Perhaps you are busying yourself in “quaratine,” too. Maybe you’re filling your days with work and/or home projects.

There is a study I’ll lead here sometime. It’s called “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.” Don’t be intimidated by the title. It seems like something frightening, but it is actually a very meaningful study designed to help us know ourselves and move toward spiritual/emotional health, in order that we can experience God’s love.

I wanted to share an excerpt from the devotional that accompanies this study.

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38 – 42As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed— or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

DevotionalMary and Martha represent two approaches to the Christian life.

Martha is actively serving Jesus, but she is also missing Jesus. She is busy in the “doing” of life. Her life is pressured and filled with distractions. Her duties have become disconnected from her love for Jesus. Martha’s problems, however, go beyond her busyness. I suspect that if Martha were to sit at the feet of Jesus, she would still be distracted by everything on her mind. Her inner person is touchy, irritable, and anxious.

Mary, on the other hand, is sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to him. She is “being” with Jesus, enjoying intimacy with him, loving him, and taking pleasure in his presence. Her life has one center of gravity— Jesus. I suspect that if Mary were to help with the many household chores, she would not be worried or upset. Why? Her inner person has slowed down enough to focus on Jesus and to center her life on him.

Our goal is to love God with our whole being, to be consistently conscious of God through our daily life— whether we are stopped like Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, or active like Martha, taking care of the tasks of life.

Question to ConsiderWhat things are worrying or upsetting you today?

PrayerHelp me, O Lord, to be still and wait patiently for you (Psalm 37:7). I offer to you each of my anxieties and worries this day. Teach me to be prayerfully attentive and to rest in you as I enter into the many activities of this day. In Jesus’ name, amen[1]

A sunny May morning was made even nicer today when the 2020/2021 Womens Guild Officers gathered in the church parking lot for their traditional Service of Installation. Organized and led by returning President Betty Marlar, this annual ceremony will go down in the Guild’s records as “historical” for sure. Pastor Derek led the new officers through the installation liturgy, and all offered their Prayer of Dedication. In addition to Betty those in attendance were Martha Gray – returning Vice-President, Bonnie Niebuhr – returning Recording Secretary, Barbara Trueman – Corresponding Secretary, Carol Guthrie – Treasurer, Joan McMillin – returning Circle B Representative, Sharon Jenkins – returning Circle D Representative, Sonja Koning – returning Circle 3H Representative, Ingrid Cuppage – Returning Prayer Shawl Ministry Representative, and Winnie Tucker. Betty closed the gathering by letting everyone know that in lieu of the traditional presentation of a flower to each officer, a donation had been made by the Guild to the Community Relief Fund.

THE SUNDAY ZOOM FELLOWSHIP IS A ‘ZOOMING’ SUCCESS!! Log on this Sunday for a few minutes to say “hello” to some of your church family. The Zoom meeting begins at 10:45 am and ends at 11:15 am. If you need assistance logging into Zoom, please call Pastor Derek at the church office. He will practice with you anytime Monday-Thursday.

Pastor Derek’s online (Zoom) Bible Study of the Gospel of John continues through the month of May – Wednesdays at 10 am and Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. These studies are open to all church folks, who want to participate. Join any week when you’re able. The conversations are casual, and nobody is forced to speak.

If you need assistance logging onto Zoom, contact Pastor Derek at the church office, and he will help you get connected. Here is the remaining reading schedule: 5/13 – John chapters 7-12, 5/20 – John chapters 13-17, 5/27 – John chapters 18-21Here is the Zoom information for the morning class:Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/710911077?pwd=dUxkUHliUUxVWVpxT3JvM3NieXgyZz09

Meeting ID: 710 911 077Password: 077780

Here is the Zoom Information for the evening class:Derek Hickman is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

150 people in 41 households were served last week!! As of today, there will be 3 additional families this week. This week our Friday distribution will move to the Leighton Elementary School parking lot. The kitchen staff of the Aurora Schools will help to pack the food and supplies for each household.

Are you looking for a way to help your neighbors in need while safely obtaining your groceries? Sirna and Sons will supply fresh meats, dairy, fruits, veggies, and more straight to your car touch-free. Orders can be made weekly with no commitment. And here’s the best part: 15% of all orders received go to the Aurora Community Relief Fund . You may click here to check it out and make an online order. Then all you have to do is pull up to the Leighton Elementary School parking lot on Thursdays 9 – 11:00 am and say your name – your groceries will be put into your car and you drive away! You can order until 8:00 pm on Tuesdays for pick up the same week. Any questions? Call Liz Sutter at 216-570-6394.

There are so many charitable people helping to keep Aurora strong! A huge shout out to the Aurora location of Jersey Mikes. They have been serving free kids meals to Aurora families in need for the last few Mondays. A thank you also to the Executive Chef at Barrington, Jon Buchner, for generously donating 40+ meals to area senior citizens this past Friday.

Hello parents,Even though it may be difficult to know what day of the week it is, much less the date on the calendar, this Sunday is Mother’s Day! A special day first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 to honor the love and care that mothers provide their families. Now more than ever, moms (and parents in general) are multitasking to the extreme with homeschooling and childcare, while many times holding down a full or part-time job. Mothers seem to manage this incredibly, but often sacrificing themselves and their sanity. Mothers deserve our eternal gratitude for their perseverance and love. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” (Proverbs 31:28-31) For a video with one of my favorite things, adorable kids, talking about their moms, click here.

Here is another video from The Skit Guys called “Mom Goggles”. Any parent can appreciate this… click here.

This website offers numerous games, crafts, skits, and activities centered around Mother’s Day that you can download for free. Some may be fun to do with your kids this week.

I pray that you might be able to relax a little bit this weekend doing something that you enjoy…taking a walk, a bath, having a moment of silence. God bless you for the love and care that you give to your families.

Pastor Derek will be offering an online (Zoom) Bible Study of the Gospel of John during the month of May. These studies are open to all church folks, who want to participate – even if you can’t participate in all the sessions. Join when you’re able and don’t feel guilty when you’re not able.

The conversations will be casual, and nobody will be forced to speak if they’re not comfortable.

Additionally, if you need assistance logging onto Zoom, contact Pastor Derek at the church office, and he will be happy to help you get connected.

Beginning next week, Friday operations for Aurora Family Assistance will be moved to the Leighton Elementary School parking lot to better accommodate the growing number of households we are helping. Last Friday, we served29 households (83 people). This week we are preparing that this number will almost double! We are grateful that Giant Eagle in Bainbridge has worked with us so we can pre-order the quantity of milk and eggs. We are also working with some other local sources for the best pricing on healthy food choices for the households we are helping.

As a reminder, here are some ways you can help: Donate to the TCIA Community Relief Fund (100% of your money will be used to help others)Support our local food pantry (Volunteers of America). You may drop off grocery items at their 1063 N. Aurora Road location. They tell us they need: paper towels, canned beef ravioli, coffee, condiments and boxed scalloped or au gratin potatoes. Donate toiletry items to the church – things like toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, toilet paper, handsoap, body soap, shampoo/ conditioner, etc.Get the word out. If you know someone who would benefit from assistance, please point them in our direction. We’d be happy to try to help.

We all miss seeing each other, but because of some great technology, we can meet virtually and participate in a brief “Fellowship Hour.” We’ll meet from approximately 10:45-11:15. Pastor Derek will try to moderate conversations, so that we can all be heard.

We tried this on Easter, and it seemed to go well; we’re trying it again!